Shell commissions international fuel economy study

It may be due to environmental concerns or it may just be that we're a stingy lot. In any case, Australians are acutely aware of the price of fuel and are committed to reducing that cost where possible.

That's the finding of an international study organised by Shell, which cites a figure of 44 per cent of Australian respondents who actively pursue fuel economy measures in the course of their everyday driving.

The Dutch oil company has found in the study that driving habits and awareness of fuel consumption issues vary from one country and one culture to the next.

Aussies, Kiwis and Brits were most likely to be open to fuel-saving suggestions, according to the survey, and Australians were almost equally open to fuel-saving ideas because they were good for the environment (89 per cent) and because they saved money (90 per cent).

Of all the countries represented in the survey, Australians were most likely (77 per cent) to consider fuel economy a critical factor when purchasing their next car.

Just over half (51 per cent) of all Australians in the survey admitted to checking their car's fuel consumption regularly.

Nearly a third (32 per cent) were more aware of fuel economy in recent times. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean that 68 per cent remain unaware of higher fuel prices. It just means that many of those 68 per cent were previously concerned by fuel economy issues and their concerns are no worse since the media began reporting increased fuel prices during the past twelve months.

Countries participating in the survey were Australia, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore and the UK.

Of the 37 per cent of drivers in all countries who are 'Fuel Economy Active', the largest sub-set comprises males, over 45 years of age, driving a station wagon fewer than 15,000km a year. Welcome to the world of the 'anorak'.

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